Oliver Leslie

Straker

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Oliver Leslie Straker

Feb 17 1950 - Feb 07 2016

Oliver Leslie Straker was born in Barbados, on February 17th, in the year 1950, to parents Merle and Sinclair Straker. He was the last of the couple’s four children. Oliver was a very bright and sociable child, who got along with many and was loved by all of his family. In 1962, Oliver moved to Jamaica, Queens with his family and attended Jamaica HS, he excelled in his classes and made many friends. After graduating from high school Oliver attended Queens College, where he received a bachelor’s degree. With a bachelor’s degree under his belt, Oliver went into teaching for the NYC DOE. A year later, he felt the need to further his education and made the decision to get a Masters Degree in political science and communications. Oliver’s post graduate studies took him to Toronto, Canada, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Cora. A job opportunity with the LIRR presented itself within the first few months of graduating from the University of Toronto, and he began his lifelong job.

In 1977, Oliver relocated Cora to New York, where the couple were married and began their life together. Within two years the couple bought a home together in Roosevelt, New York. This home would be the place of many beautiful family memories, holidays, parties, and gatherings for years to come. After six years of marriage, Oliver and Cora were blessed with their only child, Cassandra. Oliver was a dedicated father who loved his daughter with all that he was. Cassie’s friends have expressed the many happy memories of playing at her house and the kind man that “Mr. Straker” was.

Between 1976 and 2002, Oliver worked and supported his family as a conductor and a transportation manager. In addition to his time at work, he was a staple in the community and voluntarily served on the board of the fire department, the Democratic Club, the school board, and the local NAACP. Through these years Oliver made many friends, and was known for his love of politics, his amazing garden, and his jovial nature. People gravitated towards Oliver, he was welcoming, always willing to help, and made everyone laugh. Oliver’s happiest times were when he was surrounded by friends and family. He loved “domino nights”, cookouts, Christmas dinners, and any social opportunity that presented itself. He loved to laugh, have a good time, and watch others do so as well.

In 2007, Oliver’s daughter was married and his first grandchild was born, within the next five years he was blessed with two other grandchildren. His family brought him great joy and pride. He beamed as he watched his grandchildren play and grow. Oliver’s grandchildren loved him, and affectionately called him “Papa”, they liked to sit and watch television with him and to tell him jokes. In 2014, Oliver and Cora officially moved from New York to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren, they all resided in the same town and would see each other almost daily.

Oliver taught his family so much about working hard, sacrifice, love and friendship. It is with sorrow that we say goodbye, and with honor that we continue to live exemplifying his spirit.

Oliver is predeceased by his parents Merle and Sinclair Straker, and his brother Errol Straker. Oliver leaves behind his brother George, his sister Norma, his loving wife Cora, his devoted daughter Cassandra, his son-in-law Kwame, and his three grandchildren Samantha, Chelsea, and Kofi.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel in Allen, Texas.

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Memorials

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